Around the world, organizations of all sizes are in the process of digital transformation. They are deploying new SaaS solutions, moving workloads to the cloud, implementing consumer engagement tools, and more to stay competitive in today's fast-paced digital marketplace. However, many of these organizations do not have the security infrastructure or team members in place to ensure the protection of critical data as these developments are made.

This is why our partners are so integral to the success of Fortinet's mission to enhance global security. Fortinet partner organizations provide tools, guidance, and expertise to a wide range of organizations across the globe seeking to secure their networks from increasingly sophisticated attacks.

We want to thank and celebrate the efforts of our partners at Accelerate 2019, where they can continue to learn about cutting-edge strategies and technologies for network defense. Additionally, we want recognize a few of our most dedicated partners and distributors for the year of 2018.

FortiHero - Outstanding Global Partner of the Year

For their efforts in 2018, this year's FortiHero Award was given to Orange Business Services, based in Paris, France. Orange Business Services offers a host of network services around the globe, with expertise in cybersecurity, Internet of Things, connectivity, and more.

Regional Partners of the Year

Our Regional Partners of the Year consistently perform when it comes to supporting their customers in the deployment, maintenance, and success of Fortinet programs.

• APAC: NCS Pte Ltd, Platinum, Singapore
• US / Canada: World Wide Technology, US and INSA, Canada
• Japan: Otsuka Corporation
• EMEA: Maticmind, Italy
• LATAM: GTlink, Mexico

Distributors of the Year

Our distribution partners assist in customer outreach, educating resellers on products, and more. In 2018, these distribution partners stood out:

• APAC: Innovix Distribution Limited, Hong Kong and Ingram Micro NZ Ltd (Distribution Partner of the Year)
• NA:Ingram Micro
• Japan: SCSK Corporation
• EMEA: Veracomp, Poland
• LATAM: Grupo Dice, Mexico

Fabric Partner of the Year

Our Fabric Partners of the Year assist customers in extending their security infrastructure across cloud, virtual, and software-defined environments by leveraging Fortinet's integrated Security Fabric. Furthermore, they help reduce complexity for greater visibility, while simplifying multi-vendor environments. This year, we are recognizing:

• APAC: Universal Access Systems and Solutions, Philippines
• NA:ePlus Technology, inc.
• Japan: Hitachi Systems, Ltd.
• EMEA: APIXIT, France
• LATAM: TrTec, Brazil and Digicel, Jamaica

Growth Partner of the Year

These partners have demonstrated immense growth over the past year based on commitments to secure their customers' networks using Fortinet tools. Many organizations seek to increase network security during digital transformation. These partners have leveraged this requirement to increase their product and services offerings to meet customer demands while growing their business.

• APAC: Spark NZ 
• NA:Sirius Computer Solutions, Inc.
• Japan: NTT Security Corporation
• EMEA: VanRoey, Belgium
• LATAM: Scitum, Mexico

Additional Recognitions:

In addition to these annual regional awards, there are a few other partners we would like to recognize for their performance in 2018 as Fortinet's partner program continues to grow.

• MSSP of the Year: Masergy, US

With the cybersecurity skills gap persisting, an increasing number of organizations are seeking out managed security service providers (MSSPs) to take on a larger role in their network security and SOC management. This partner has worked with Fortinet to leverage products and strategies to offer superior technical support to their customers.

• Rookie of the Year: Interface Security Systems, US

Though new to the partner program, this organization made large strides in building their program over the past year, leveraging support from the Fortinet team and our certifications.

Final Thoughts

Fortinet is grateful for the efforts of our partners to help us achieve our goal of bringing about the next generation of cybersecurity designed to combat modern threats. Between certifications, training sessions, and more, our partners have devoted considerable resources to the success of these programs and the security of their customers. This year's awards were presented at Accelerate 2019, Fortinet's annual partner and user conference, held in Orlando, Florida. 

Read more news from Fortinet during Accelerate this week.